Penzey’s Spices, Ltd

I love Penzeys. My favorite blend is the Sunny Paris!

I found out about Penzey’s Spices long before they were in the Twin Cities. Who would have figured they’re based just next door in Wisconsin. I was absolutely tickled when Penzey’s Spices opened in Lakeville.
Walking into this shop, I’ve never been disappointed. They have just about every herb and spice a cook (or chef) could ask for, including threads of saffron. Just a forewarning, perhaps have a tissue ready. The aroma of mingled spices from every corner of the world can be a bit overwhelming to the novice browser.
The mailing list is the way to go. You’ll be sent a quarterly price catalog containing great recipes and stories of other interest in the food category. Also, the mailed catalog generally has a coupon on it for a container of a featured herb or spice (or set), many times as a free giveaway.
The store is set up very well with herbs, spices, and blends. Most of the products have a seperate container so you can smell what the herb or spice is all about. Gift boxes are for everyone and they have just the one for whomever you can think of. I generally think of myself when I’m buying spices. Don’t judge me. I’m the head cook in my family.
As mentioned in other reviews, you don’t have to settle for one size; or even two in most cases. There are little jars and big jars and larger packets so you can buy what you need or think what you’ll use. I buy the large packets of the Italian seasoning and Northwoods Seasoning because they’re that good and I use them in a lot of my recipes.
Last but not least, the staff is always nice and as helpful as can be.

If you like to cook or need a gift for someone who does Penzey’s is fantastic. Knowledgeable staff that are passionate about spices and seasonings will happily assist you. Sign up for their catalog and you will receive a delightful magazine with recipes and food based stories. Plus a free coupon to try a product.
I make my own vanilla from a small 750ml bottle of Bacardi Gold rum and 3 Penzey’s Madagascar vanilla beans (split and cut into 2″ lengths). Shake and store in a dark, cool place for 3 months. The older, the better so make some for gifts and a batch for yourself.
Steaks are great covered with Rocky Mountain Seasoning, garlic powder and Northwood’s Fire. Just rub it on and grill.
Everything is top quality and fresher than any grocery store. Usually cheaper too. Reuse the containers (also for sale) and you can purchase in bulk. If they do not have the larger bulk bags the system will automatically calculate the same amount in small bags at the discounted price.
There are 3 metro locations but Lakeville is the only one with a parking lot. They also have mail order.

Love this place… I just have to make sure I watch myself and don’t leave with my wallet $ 100 lighter. I really appreciate that you have the option to buy as much or as little that you want. The Maharajah curry powder is always on my «must buy» list.

This place is great! It smells so wonderful when you walk in and you expect it to be expensive but it’s not. The prices were great, the customer service was fantastic. My spices I bought are the best! This is one of my new favorite places to go. It has all these wonderful gift baskets that would make great gifts.

I have recommended this place to several people at work. I got them to sign up for the free catalog online, which got them to visit the store. I have recenetly been informed they have loved it just as much as me! Yes, I still love it… Going there on my next day off!

You can smell this store from blocks away. Every spice and blend imaginable is available at Penzey’s. If you are a novice, or are only interested in experimenting a little, there are smaller jars to bring home, and you can sample and smell all the spices. For those who cook in bulk, or know exactly what they want larger jars and bags are available so you can bring home as much as you need. All the prices are displayed prominently and most of the spices are in alphabetical order, or you could just follow your nose! The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable (I’m looking for that spice that goes into spaghetti sauce, you know the little green one that is long & skinny…). The only problem is that if you love food, you may get a little snobbish about your spices and never buy retail spices again. They also specialize in spice blends that add very little or no salt to the mixture for those watching their sodium levels.